Paradise Under Your Feet — Page 111
Chapter 6: High School Years 111 challenge; however, by junior and senior years, the pressure of making good grades and college/career decisions becomes quite intense. While nurturing children ’ s education and career goals, keep the Islamic perspective in mind at all times. Gender biases about career goals exist and must be molded to Islamic guidelines. Some career choices may not be suitable for girls. While children are used to hearing “ you can do anything ,” in America, it is important to tell Ahmadi Muslim children that a career choice has to be within Islamic boundaries. The role of women as the primary caregivers to children and as homemakers must be reiterated, so that girls can make their career choices with this important injunction in mind. Boys may also lean to career choices that may not be conducive to good family lives in the long run. Continue to ask Huzoor (aba) for prayers and guidance at this age. Muslim Identity and Peer Pressure From dietary laws, to modesty and Purdah, from boundaries of mingling with the opposite gender to limits on excursions even with same gender friends, from not attending the prom and school dances to avoidance of alcohol, drugs and harmful substances, Ahmadi Muslim children will continue to stand apart from their friends and colleagues. This is easy for some and harder for others. It is up to par ents to validate their children’s concerns and fears, and to communicate openly and compassionately at all times. Many parents may think that the worst peer pressure is in middle school, however it does not abate in high school. Pressure to be “ like everyone else ” in terms of dress, values, appearance etc. , can be quite a problem for some teens. In addition, issues such as substance abuse, dating, going to school dances or late night school sports, may come to the fore. This is where love of Allah, a firm sense of self-worth,